Blocked punt puts Tampa up in second quarter

Posted by Josh Alper on November 11, 2012, 2:07 PM EST

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There’s been no shortage of big plays in Tampa in the first half and the last one has the Buccaneers up 17-14 on the Chargers.

Dekoda Watson broke through untouched and pretty much tackled Chargers punter Mike Scifres as he was trying to punt. The ball skittered to Adam Hayward, who returned it 29 yards for a touchdown with just under nine minutes to play in the second quarter. Scifres stayed down on the field for a long time after the play until he walked off the field with the help of the medical staff.

The Chargers used a big play to grab the early lead, an 80-yard touchdown catch by Danario Alexander that came after he spun out of a tackle attempt by Buccaneers cornerback Leonard Johnson. The Bucs answered with a Dallas Clark touchdown after a 42-yard gain on a pass by Doug Martin. Philip Rivers set up another score with a big pass to Antonio Gates and the Bucs kicked a field goal after Josh Freeman hit Mike Williams for 55 yards down the middle of the field.

It’s been exciting and we’re not betting against more seesawing on the scoreboard before the half or afternoon is through.